Latest News
June 2007
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Dexter Lanctot Soon after the shootings at Virginia Tech, in April, I was in a traffic jam starting to feel very stressed and irritable. A local radio station was broadcasting an interview, with a child, about his reactions to the shootings. The child's tone of voice sounded truly troubled. He lamented so much violence in our world. I heard him say, in a pleading tone, "We need a new world." At that point, I let myself become aware of my own agitation. "Yes," I thought, "we do need a new world. The seeds of that new world must be planted with me, right now, in this traffic jam." I began to intentionally practice a mindfulness exercise I'd learned from the writings of the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn. In a few moments, my anger was dissolving; I was opening my mind and heart to the blessings available in that moment. It occurred to me that the new world must come, as Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day was accustomed to say, from the shell of the old." Or, as Nhat Hahn teaches, "Peace is every step." The new world is built from the shell of the old, one step at a time, and one decision at a time. For us, at Epiphany House, we long for a new world where no child will ever be neglected or unloved. This, like any worthwhile undertaking, is a day-to-day commitment that is lived out through much struggle. We are ever aware it is a commitment that could never be lived without a faith tradition and community. We know that we can stick to this undertaking only because so many of you have chosen to support this commitment with community, friendship, prayers, volunteering and financial contributions. It is our deep desire to discover new families who will find a calling or vocation in opening their homes to a waiting child. The new world is emerging, one step at a time; one family at a time; one child at a time. Together let's help create a new world and new possibilities for children who need a loving, stable home.
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| Celebrating Foster/Adoptive Families in 2007:
In the Hebrew & Christian traditions, there is a deep awareness that God has freely adopted us and made us his children. The covenant is one based on this adoption. We at Epiphany House believe that God has provided a family for every waiting child. Many of these families just don't know who they are yet. How about your family? If you are the recipient of much blessing from God, then you must ask how is God inviting you to put those blessings to the service of others. Some of you have the grace and ability to be the adoptive families that are needed. Have you ever asked yourself if you might be one of those families? Perhaps you are not called to be the adoptive family but you may have the talent, abilitiy or resources to help find an adoptive family. There are many problems in our world such as war, global warming, rampant poverty, genocide, diseases, and hunger, about which we often feel completely poweless to make a difference. These are problems of such overwhelming dimensions we can barely grasp them. Promoting adoption, however, is something all of us can do to make a difference. We can positively impact the future for untold generations by working to assure no child is left without a loving stable family. If you want to get involved in something where you will make a difference, look no further. You are in the right place! Check out the info below and give us a call.
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Javana PAE # 9136 Javana is a pleasant child who has Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy that limits her mobility and affects her breathing. She is a very sweet and alert little girl who has made great developmental strides over the past year. Javana has a trach, uses a ventilator at night, and receives all of her nutrition through a gastric tube and pump. Javana has learned to walk with a walker however; she cannot be described as ambulatory. She enjoys a variety of toys and enjoys being around people. Javana is able to communicate many of her needs non-verbally. All families will be considered for Javana. She is legally free for adoption. For more information about Javana, please contact her Children's Choice Adoption Worker, Barbara Murphy-Toros at (215) 694-7543 or at btoros@childrenschoice.org.
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Caroline Turns Five: Caroline Lanctot, who was seriously injured four years ago in a snow storm car accident, turned five years old on March 24th. We send out our loving wishes to Caroline. As many of you know Caroline is ventilator dependent and a quadriplegic as a result of the accident. We are grateful to all of you who have contributed to her medical fund over the years and who have been keeping her in your prayer. For an update and latest photos of Caroline visit the Caroline Hope website: www.carolineshope.org
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| The Epiphany House Family Journal: www.epiphany-house.org/journal.html |
A New World:
On Sunday July 15th, we will recognize two families, from the nominations we are receiving, in a special celebration to honor their commitment to children. At the celebration, each honored family will also receive a family gift package which will include a one year family membership to a local attraction, from several options, of their choice; a free personal family website for one year, a family portrait and other surprises. It is our hope that the stories of the families we honor will inspire others to consider becoming foster/adoptive families. Throughout the region we will work with local churches and community organizations to identify and honor families in those communities who are foster/adoptive parents. If anyone wishes to nominate a family for us to recognize for their commitment to adoption simply contact us. Any family not recognized at our first event will be considered in future p rog rams.
Notable Quotable:
"The children are a clue. Will the
clue be read aright?"
...Daniel Berrigan
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